A few months back I was looking into enlisting in the Navy with an SCI, but during a preliminary screening of my SF86 they told me they couldn't continue my application process because my father is currently living in China as well as possessing Chinese citizenship.
I'll be starting college in the fall and was thinking of doing NROTC, but would it be pointless? I'm not confident in being able to secure a secret clearance given my family's background.
Edit: Am natural born dual citizen and willing to renounce Chinese citizenship,

Hello, good day to everyone!
First of all, an apology if I write something incorrectly, My main language is Spanish (Mexico)
I am overwhelmed by so many options in transportation, first it took me 2 days to find the "best" hotel for our needs in Tokyo, I already decided on the best way to transport myself between some cities (JR regional passes) and now I am trying to figure out how to get from Tokyo to Hakone-Mt. Fuji.
I found what I believe are two different services, although reading I can believe that it is the same sometimes and not at other times.
1.- https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/transportation/japan-rail-pass/regional/fuji-hakone-pass
2.- https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
The plan is to leave from Shinjuku station, first get to Hakone and then just go to a point near Mt. Fuji.
Just to see it...
I don't know if any of you. Have experience with any of these, if you can help me a little with some information.
The specific questions are related to whether these passes include EVERYTHING or just some trips that you have to pay for, etc. I tried using the "NaviTime" app but it leaves me just as confused.
Is there an application, a pamphlet or something that specifically says how to travel from the mentioned starting point?
I think I give the matter a lot of thought...
My doubts:
reading the pass specifications...
I know there is only 1 ROUND TRIP from Shinjuku to a certain station... Either Shinjuku and Shin-Matsuda or Shinjuku and Odawara station (Depending on the pass).
and then unlimited trips are broken down in areas like Hakone and Mt. Fuji
I found this PDF directly on the Odakyu website
https://www.odakyu.jp/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/FijiHakonePass_en_re.pdf
What I understand about the Odakyu service is that once I arrive from Shinjuku to Odawara, I can do the rest of the journeys completely by bus or, failing that, on all the lines that appear colored in the pamphlet. Is this correct?
Anyway, first of all, I also accept any recommendation that could make this entire journey easier.
I guess the question is kind of silly.
I think I stuffed myself with so many things.
Thanks for reading me.

Hi,
I am in the middle of my Royal Navy application and I am close to going to Raleigh as an aircraft handler. What if I’m at Raleigh and want to change my role? And I have already used up all my DAA tests attempts?

Hey all,
Back when I got out of the navy (2015), the instructor at TAPS class showed us a list of many employers that offer incentives for vets to come work for them.
The one back then that stood out to me as a navy MM that likes cars was Audi’s Vets 2 Techs program. Basically, Audi would hire you and train you, the federal govt would help offset your starter kit of tools, AND offset Audi’s cost (your pay) by paying half your wage for Audi, incentivizing them to hire via this program.
It sounded great; I ended up going a different route, but. I’m not struggling to find anything like that anywhere. Googling “veteran employment opportunities” returns a million different companies (mostly shipyards and whatnot) that wouldn’t mind having vets, or you get skillbridge stuff.
What I’m remembering was a list of companies that offer incentives. It was awesome. But I can’t find it. Audi has since stopped their program.
My girlfriend got out of the navy close to 3 years ago, so things like skillbridge aren’t really applicable. She’s not sure what she wants to do, but that list I got back in the day would be cool to see, if it’s been updated.
Anyone ever heard of this?
Thanks!

I live in the EU and my Girlfriend lives in the UK. She has now already some time ago paid the HM Passport Office to get her passport, and they are repeatedly asking her to make someone confirm her identity, which can be done online
at : https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/confirm-identity
There is a list of eligible people who can do this, and she had already a few people do it, who know her for many years. But the HMPO does always say that those people are not eligible, while they are on the list and they do have a British Passport and did everything correct, to confirm her identity.
The problem is now, she does not know many people, and has already made everyone do this process that she knows, and they know her for many years, long enough to be eligible. But every time it is being rejected for no reason, and my Girlfriend is also NOT wanted or anything, she is just a normal person without any criminal history.
This rejections do have an impact on her mental health, every time they refuse someone she is getting mentally heavily unstable and I have a hard time calming her down, because she always thinks she will never be able to ever leave the UK and come to me, she is mentally very unstable and this worries me much. What worries me the most is, we do not have any eligible people left she knows, since she has not many contacts due to her mental health issues, it feels to me as if she is living in a communist country, where people are not allowed to leave - how is Britain a "free country" if she has no way now to ever get a passport and come to me to live with me ?
Where can I find eligible people with British Passport that would be willing to confirm her identity online or how do I get help at getting her passport ? On the website it says the following to make sure someone can confirm the identity :
You can only confirm someone’s identity if you:
are 18 or over live in the UK have a current UK passport have known the person applying for at least 2 years know the person applying as a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows you professionally)
You must work in (or be retired from) a ‘recognised profession’. For example:
accountant airline pilot articled clerk of a limited company assurance agent of recognised company bank or building society official barrister chairman or director of a limited company chiropodist commissioner for oaths councillor, for example local or county civil servant (permanent) dentist director, manager or personnel officer of a VAT-registered company engineer with professional qualifications financial services intermediary, for example a stockbroker or insurance broker fire service official funeral director insurance agent (full time) of a recognised company journalist Justice of the Peace legal secretary (fellow or associate member of the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs) licensee of a public house local government officer manager or personnel officer of a limited company member, associate or fellow of a professional body Member of Parliament Merchant Navy officer minister of a recognised religion (including Christian Science) nurse (RGN or RMN) officer of the armed services optician paralegal (certified paralegal, qualified paralegal or associate member of the Institute of Paralegals) person with honours, for example an OBE or MBE pharmacist photographer (professional) police officer Post Office official president or secretary of a recognised organisation Salvation Army officer social worker solicitor surveyor teacher or lecturer trade union officer travel agent (qualified) valuer or auctioneer (fellow or associate members of the incorporated society) Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers Who cannot confirm someone’s identity
You cannot confirm someone’s identity if:
you’re related by birth or marriage you’re in a relationship with them or live together you work for HM Passport Office you work for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on British citizenship or right of abode applications you’re a doctor - unless you know the person who has asked you well (for example, you’re a good friend)
To me this list seems unreasonably complicated and I do not know how anyone can actually get a Passport in the UK at all.
Anyone knows how to get help ? We already called the HMPO but they give a fuck and do not help at all, they do simply not seem to care. We are getting very desperate and I have a hard time convincing her to stay alive, and this is destroying us and our relationship.

I live in the EU and my Girlfriend lives in the UK. She has now already some time ago paid the HM Passport Office to get her passport, and they are repeatedly asking her to make someone confirm her identity, which can be done online
at : https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/confirm-identity
There is a list of eligible people who can do this, and she had already a few people do it, who know her for many years. But the HMPO does always say that those people are not eligible, while they are on the list and they do have a British Passport and did everything correct, to confirm her identity.
The problem is now, she does not know many people, and has already made everyone do this process that she knows, and they know her for many years, long enough to be eligible. But every time it is being rejected for no reason, and my Girlfriend is also NOT wanted or anything, she is just a normal person without any criminal history.
This rejections do have an impact on her mental health, every time they refuse someone she is getting heavily mentally instable and I have a hard time calming her down, because she always thinks she will never be able to ever leave the UK and come to me, she is mentally very unstable and this worries me much. What worries me the most is, we do not have any eligible people left she knows, since she has not many contacts due to her mental health issues, it feels to me as if she is living in a communist country, where people are not allowed to leave - how is Britain a "free country" if she has no way now to ever get a passport and come to me to live with me ?
Where can I find eligible people with British Passport that would be willing to confirm her identity online or how do I get help at getting her passport ? On the website it says the following to make sure someone can confirm the identity :
You can only confirm someone’s identity if you:
are 18 or over live in the UK have a current UK passport have known the person applying for at least 2 years know the person applying as a friend, neighbour or colleague (not just someone who knows you professionally)
You must work in (or be retired from) a ‘recognised profession’. For example:
accountant airline pilot articled clerk of a limited company assurance agent of recognised company bank or building society official barrister chairman or director of a limited company chiropodist commissioner for oaths councillor, for example local or county civil servant (permanent) dentist director, manager or personnel officer of a VAT-registered company engineer with professional qualifications financial services intermediary, for example a stockbroker or insurance broker fire service official funeral director insurance agent (full time) of a recognised company journalist Justice of the Peace legal secretary (fellow or associate member of the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs) licensee of a public house local government officer manager or personnel officer of a limited company member, associate or fellow of a professional body Member of Parliament Merchant Navy officer minister of a recognised religion (including Christian Science) nurse (RGN or RMN) officer of the armed services optician paralegal (certified paralegal, qualified paralegal or associate member of the Institute of Paralegals) person with honours, for example an OBE or MBE pharmacist photographer (professional) police officer Post Office official president or secretary of a recognised organisation Salvation Army officer social worker solicitor surveyor teacher or lecturer trade union officer travel agent (qualified) valuer or auctioneer (fellow or associate members of the incorporated society) Warrant Officers and Chief Petty Officers Who cannot confirm someone’s identity
You cannot confirm someone’s identity if:
you’re related by birth or marriage you’re in a relationship with them or live together you work for HM Passport Office you work for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on British citizenship or right of abode applications you’re a doctor - unless you know the person who has asked you well (for example, you’re a good friend)
To me this list seems unreasonably complicated and I do not know how anyone can actually get a Passport in the UK at all.
Anyone knows how to get help ? We already called the HMPO but they give a fuck and do not help at all, they do simply not seem to care. We are getting very desperate and I have a hard time convincing her to stay alive, and this is destroying us and our relationship.

hey japanlife

I'm hoping to get some advice from the community about applying for permanent residency in Japan. My current spouse visa is a one-year visa expiring in July, and since my wife and I have been married for 9 years, we meet the marriage requirement.
Here's my situation:

• I'm retired from the US Navy and receive a pension along with other related income that comes up to over ¥10MM. However, this income is taxed in the US and not considered taxable in Japan.
• I am enrolled in nenkin but haven't made any contributions yet due to the above reason. I have a waiver from the tax office exempting me from pension payments until next month, but I have paid all other taxes and health insurance on time, every time.
• My wife works full-time and earns ~¥7MM, so we have a provable income.

I'm definitely planning to speak with an immigration lawyer to get the full picture, but I wanted to see if anyone in japanlife has experience with a similar situation, particularly regarding non-taxable foreign income and its impact on PR applications.
Does it seem like I would be a good candidate for permanent residency despite not yet contributing to the National Pension (although I have a temporary waiver)? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: I was unaware of the requirement to be either on a 3 or 5 year visa. So my plan is to renew my visa, hopefully get a 3 or 5 year then apply for permanent residency. But I’m gonna leave the post up in case anyone else has similar questions.

A little background on me. I’m starting my PhD in clinical psychology this fall in the Bay Area. I’ve always had an interest in working in a VA and researching PTSD and general mental health among military members. After accepting a position a PhD student, I was told about the HSPS program offered through the Navy, and how that would end with a clinical internship, and I was pretty sold on working toward a career as a navy psychologist. I met with a recruiter for the program, and I’ve started the application process. Anyways, I’m curious if anyone here knows what it’s actually like working as a psychologist, or even non-psychologists who might have interacted with a psychologist through the navy, what that was like.
TL;DR: what’s being a psychologist in the navy like??

Dear SiMadam Maple Hams,
A lot of these claims are not the fault of the Naval Experience Program (herein referred to as the NEP).
The NEP has no control over the activities of PAT platoon units. If these units do not place their Sailors into their next courses - then they are failing their own sailors.
I know a lot of actual sailors who have been wasting away on pat platoon waiting for their initial trade course to start.
This has been normal since time immemorial. It was bad during COVID because measures were in place and courses were outright cancelled, but prior to that - most trades were running 1-2 courses per year. Now some trades are running 3 courses a year.
I would also like to point out that NEP candidates cannot compete with any sailors waiting for their trades course because NEP candidates first have to actually sign a contract after picking a trade. Once they pick a trade, they will have to wait with the rest of these Sailors in PAT platoons.
Now I’m seeing 1 year contract NEPs, with no trade and no requirement to extend, getting NETP before actual sailors.
Also not the NEP's fault. Any unit can nominate a Sailor for NETP. You can email the NFS(A/P) NETP Booking Cell and the people there are very nice and helpful and will happily load Sailors. All you need to do is ask for the course list, pick a course date, fill in the form with the Sailor's name, rank, and service number - and boom. That Sailor is loaded.
Between May 16 and October 01 of this year, there are a total 8 NETP Courses scheduled and are capable of handling maybe 20-25 Sailors.
And the sad fact is... They have had to beg units for people to enroll - otherwise they would have to cancel the course... I know for a fact they had to cancel two courses this year already, so if you personally know any units that have Sailors that need NETP, then please give them a call!
They’re doing dive courses, I even heard of some attending clearance diver selection (might be a rumour), before actual sailors who have been requesting it for years.
For the third time, this is also not the NEP program's fault, nor is it outside their control.
FDU(A/P) publishes a list of scheduled courses every year. Rescue Swimmer, Port Inspection Diver, Supervisor Courses, Ship's Team Diver, Clearance Diver - you name it.
A person interested in this course must first submit a memo through their chain of command, Dive Officer, and complete a checklist with their unit's Health Services to pass Dental and Part 1 and 2 medicals (actual requirements vary depending on the course).
This process can last weeks to several months - and that depends on how much support a Sailor gets from their CoC and Health Services unit.
Now again, like the NETP situation if units do not support their Sailor's applications, then that Sailor goes no where. The NEP is not actively nudging these Sailors off courses.
If anything, the NEP is actually making some of these courses possible because FDU(A/P) is not getting enough people who are properly processed with completed checklist to actually show up ready for the courses!
So far this year 1 course almost got cancelled - but because the NEP was able to provide bodies, they were able to run the course!
As I write this, a course in June is also currently in jeopardy of being cancelled due to not having enough enrollees.
The NEP is actually at the back of thr priority list. First are ships, then individual applicants, and lastly somewhere are the NEP.
So no, the NEP is not stealing spots off Sailors who have been waiting years for their dive course.... The NEP is doing everything right within their power to make sure their candidates have gone through official channels to get their applications and checklists completed, and by doing so, providing enough bodies for FDU to actually run courses.
And yes - one NEP candidate from the East Coast and one from the West Coast have completed Clearance Diver training.
One did not get selected however, but that is the Clearance Diver unit's perogative. (Its called Selection after all).
But can you really fault these two NEP candidates for passing a physically and mentally demanding course...?
The programme is a complete ruse designed to make these people have a fun year that they can brag about to their friends and hopefully they’ll sign a real contract.
Not gonna lie, that is the intention.
We want sailors. We NEED sailors.
If it gets them through the door of recruiting, and if they sign a new contract to continue being in the Navy - then by all metrics the program is working.
And so far, I have seen only 1 person out of 75 that has voluntarily released in the 1 year this program has run.
Morale in the fleet is getting beat down lower everyday and watching these people come in and take your spot on the course or sail you’ve been dying to get isn’t doing any favours.
If the argument is that *"NEP candidates are having fun, but people in the fleet aren't" *then something else is wrong in the fleet, and the NEP is not the cause of that - with the reasons I have listed above.
Each and every unit, ship, and organization within the CAF and the fleet are near seperate entities - each with their own challenges.
Saying that the NEP is making life worse for these units has no basis in reality. The NEP is not all knowing, nor does it have the power to make random people's lives miserable.
It's like saying HMCS Montreal is having fun sailing, while HMCS Frdericton and HMCS Chalottetown are sad because their ships are broken. It doesn't make sense.
It doesn’t even make any sense for the navy to be spending the money on these people getting courses they don’t need.
First off, the way the military does things is we are given a budget at the start of the fiscal year.
This budget is identified and allocated way in advance of an intented purpose.
For example, the CAF is given a budget. This budget divided between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is further divided into other units within these branches.
The Navy and the CAF has identified the need to create a program to encourage civilians to join the Navy, and retain them after their initial contract. The Government has approved this program and allocated a portion of this years' budget to fund this program.
This program, the NEP, is doing its best with the money allocated to them to ensure that the sailors under their care are taken care of and given enough positive experience so that they hopefully willingly sign another contract, so that our Navy has enough Sailors in the future to sail our ships and complete our missions.
If we don't move heaven and earth to get these Sailors now - then even people who have joined the Navy normally like you and me will be unable to sail in the future because ships are just severely undermanned.
Also I would like to share a personal anecdote...
My RQS3 course had 12 people. Of those 12, after four years 6 had left the forces due to one reason or another.
In my trade, you can apply for a Specialist skill within a Specialist trade.
The Navy will train you and fly you to whatever ship to complete your course. Basically whatever is needed to ensure you pass that course.
All you have to do is study hard.
I have seen people who pass this course - and then end up not sailing and then they lose their qualification.
This, after the Navy spent so much resources, money, and man hours into getting these Sailors qualified, but then they just up and decide this isn't for them.
The argument of "why are these NEP candidates getting this and that when they leave anyway?" is severely misguided when you and I both know there are already people in the Navy who throw away opportunity to the winds...
So hopefully dear SiMa'am Maple Hams, please reconsider your opinion on the program.
In short, the NEP is not stealing resources from othe units.
The NEP is operating within the resources and mandate given to them - and in some cases, actually directly or indirectly contributing to the success of other units in the Navy by providing an investment of manpower that we badly need.
If we were like other NATO countries, then I would argue that this program is unnecessary if we consider the option of outright mandatory military service and conscription.
But we are not like those other countries, and we do not have the option of conscription...
So we have this program instead.
For your consideration, SiMa'am.
PS, I would personally like to extend my thanks to the crews and personnel of the following units for supporting the NEP program:
HMCS St. John's (they have been our most supportive unit).
HMCS Ville de Quebec (thank you for taking time off your busy schedule for allowing job shadowing for the NEP candidates).
HMCS Chalottetown (thank you for taking care of our candidates during your deployment. we know the sea state between Iceland and Halifax was bad, but that didnt let your crew from throwing the NEP candidates to the side).
HMCS Harry Dewolf (your willingless to employ NEP candidates allowed them to become familiar with the platform, and sets the candidates up for success)
NFS(A) Scheduling and Booking Cells (you have always accomodated our requests and has never let us down when we needed help)
Tribute Tower Galley (thank you for employing our candidates and for providing them with delicious food - some of our candidates have never eaten this well in their life)
Juno Tower Accomodations and Booking Cell (you are the first people we contact to get our NEP candidates set up after CFLRS, and without your help we wouldn't even be able to do anything)
CFB Halifax Dockyard Gym and CFB Shearwater Gym (thank you for accomodating our fitness related requests, including letting us borrow the gym so our candidates can see what it is like to swim for their life before they apply for courses)
FDU Atlantic and Pacific (we apologize if we had sent people who were not physically able to complete the courses you offer - to be fair, they are really hard, but we are working on making the quality of people we offer to send better. Hopefully we can continue sending candidates to fill in courses so they do not get cancelled).
Clothing Stores (thank you for setting up our candidates with their kit!)
Base Logistics, Maritime Operations Group, Fleet Padre's office, Fleet Master Sailor and Junior's Mess, FMF Cape Scott, Halifax MFRC, SISIP, PCC(A/P), Health Services Stadacona, TEME, CFLRS, Recruiting, Public Affairs, MARLANT/MARPAC, and the various units all over - for reasons too many to list, we thank you for supporting the program in all the unique ways you do.
Despite what some may say about the Naval Experience Program - all of you have given the program all the support the program could ask for and more.
If you all didn't care, then we wouldn't be here.
Disclaimer: These are my own opinions and does not reflect the official position of the NEP, the Navy, the CAF, or the Government of Canada.

I neglected to include this in my cycle recap, but hopefully some future applicants find this helpful. Obviously this is not a one-size-fits-all. https://www.lsd.law/users/creep/SquidwardsHouse
Resume
This will be controversial, but it ideally should be one-page. Harvard and Yale have made explicit their preference for such. I’d say if you’ve got less than 10 years of work experience, you almost certainly can and should fit it on one page. Be concise with your verbiage. Don’t piss the reader off with small fonts (definitely no less than size 11) or crammed wording. You don’t need to patronize the reader by describing in intricate detail what some common-sense things are.
LORs
Again, I believe less is generally more, continuing with my theme. If you can effectively cover ground with two letters when you can submit up to three or four, then choose 2. The only school I submitted 3 letters to was Yale, and that was because I was advised they wanted two academic letters and a military letter to speak to my five years in the Navy. Every other school I submitted one academic and one professional (military) letter.
Yale 250
I wrote about a humbling experience where essentially the main takeaway was that I didn’t need to have an opinion/express an opinion on everything. I hit on the same anecdote in every single one of my interviews, and I think it was well-received.
Harvard Statement of Purpose
-I opted for a different approach contrary to what many recommended. I did not use my traditional Personal Statement for this topic. Instead, I went with a much more direct 1-page statement addressing why I no longer wanted to pursue the JAG Corps in the military (since I’m a reapplicant from a few years ago), and how now I want to clerk, work in big law for a few years to gain experience, and then be a federal prosecutor. There was a lot of good interview fodder from this statement that Dean KJ took an interest in.
PS/HLS Statement of Perspective
My Personal Statement was very reflective in nature on my past failures and moments of growth, and how offering and accepting help is crucial to such growth. I felt this fit the prompt of Harvard’s Statement of Perspective much better for me, as stated above. For my personal statements for other schools, the only modification was I had a paragraph inserted about why I wanted to continue in public service as a federal prosecutor.
Why UVA
I made crystal clear how UVA was one of my top choices, and I think they appreciated that. I did not want to run the risk of appearing like I was coasting on stats, which often leads to people getting waitlisted or denied at UVA and similar schools. I talked about how Charlottesville mirrored my state school undergrad, and how I loved that being an island of blue in a sea of red on the political lap brings with it a perspective you can’t find easily most other places. I also discussed my goals of wanting to practice in the south after law school, which added to the authenticity in my view.
Character and Fitness
Just own it. Don’t shift the blame. Be as concise about what happened as possible and take ownership of it. I got fired as an RA for hosting a party with other RA’s in my dorm room. It was about 5 sentences in length.
Georgetown Top 10
As a huge Survivor fan, I made a detailed top 10 winners list.
Interview Advice
It’s okay to be nervous. I fucked up the intro to my Harvard interview by saying something like “I guess it’s nervous to be normal” and we laughed about it.
-My Yale interview started 8 minutes late because we had audio issues connecting. I was panicking on the inside from embarrassment, but tried not to let that show to my interviewer (who I could see on video still). The interview went great and we talked for twenty minutes past my allotted time.
-My other feedback is to give good thought as to Why X school and why law school in general. In my Harvard interview, I said something along the lines of "A lot of people grow up dreaming of coming to this school, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't one of them. Even more than that, though, the size of Harvard's class brings with it a diversity of backgrounds and thought that you can't find as easily anywhere else. I remember reading about conservative students in the past enjoying now-Senator Elizabeth Warren's classes when she taught here. That coupled with Harvard having the highest student veteran population of any school make it a natural fit."
-As for the Georgetown interview, I think a good rule of thumb is to be respectful of the other applicants’ time and answers. Try not to talk more than anyone else in the group interview, and try to pay attention to what people say to show you’re listening.
-Finally, (and maybe I’m old fashioned) I think it’s generally polite and professional to send a quick thank-you email to your interviewethe admissions inbox. Don’t expect a response, but I do think it’s a thoughtful touch.

TLDR: Due to multiple extenuating circumstances in my life as of recent, it seems as though joining a branch's reserves may be in my best interest to forward my careelife. What advice would you give an aspiring cyber-sec career-man?
I'm a 21 year old man who recently acquired his Associate's Degree. Due to extensive childhood trauma and medical concerns my plans for life have taken a hard left turn; I had left Highschool due to hospitalization and my mental health, acquired my G.E.D. after my original-projected graduation date, and took a gap year to try to 'find myself' and clear my head out on my own. After this gap, for the last 2 years, I've pursued my Associate's Degree, and recently graduated with a 3.96 GPA.
I love computer science, and would love to pursue a career in Cyber Security, but feel as though there could be a different route for me than the 'usual'. By this point I've missed the cut-off for college applications after this summer, but I've recently been considering the idea of joining the reserves (either Navy or Air Force) to reach my goals.
The way I see it, with how oversaturated my desired field is, thousands today have the same credentials, "great GPA, bachelor's in CS, light field experience," but still these people struggle to find positions due to the fact that all applications are near-identical (I have friends in this exact position). Through the reserves, though, as I understand it, I would be able to acquire both training and funding for various CS certifications like Net+, Sec+, etc. while also having chosen a CS-oriented military position. Ontop of the obvious military benefits and experience, this would assuredly make all future resumés stand out.
I have no interest in active duty or deployment, rather the knowledge there is to be gained, both within and beyond CS that military training offers. My question, I guess, is what advice would those of you 'in the know' give to someone in my situation? Is it realistic to not expect deployment? Between the Navy and Airforce, which branch offers the best experience and resources for someone looking into my career path? Are my expectations even realistic?
How does the certification acquisition process work? Is prep and testing done in-house or are tests simply funded? Would I need to choose a specific "reserve job' to qualify for these certifications?
I'm open to ALL feedback.

TLDR: Due to multiple extenuating circumstances in my life as of recent, it seems as though joining a branch's reserves may be in my best interest to forward my careelife. What advice would you give an aspiring cyber-sec career-man?
I'm a 21 year old man who recently acquired his Associate's Degree. Due to extensive childhood trauma and medical concerns my plans for life have taken a hard left turn; I had left Highschool due to hospitalization and my mental health, acquired my G.E.D. after my original-projected graduation date, and took a gap year to try to 'find myself' and clear my head out on my own. After this gap, for the last 2 years, I've pursued my Associate's Degree, and recently graduated with a 3.96 GPA.
I love computer science, and would love to pursue a career in Cyber Security, but feel as though there could be a different route for me than the 'usual'. By this point I've missed the cut-off for college applications after this summer, but I've recently been considering the idea of joining the reserves (either Navy or Air Force) to reach my goals.
The way I see it, with how oversaturated my desired field is, thousands today have the same credentials, "great GPA, bachelor's in CS, light field experience," but still these people struggle to find positions due to the fact that all applications are near-identical (I have friends in this exact position). Through the reserves, though, as I understand it, I would be able to acquire both training and funding for various CS certifications like Net+, Sec+, etc. while also having chosen a CS-oriented military position. Ontop of the obvious military benefits and experience, this would assuredly make all future resumés stand out.
I have no interest in active duty or deployment, rather the knowledge there is to be gained, both within and beyond CS that military training offers. My question, I guess, is what advice would those of you 'in the know' give to someone in my situation? Is it realistic to not expect deployment? Between the Navy and Airforce, which branch offers the best experience and resources for someone looking into my career path? Are my expectations even realistic?
How does the certification acquisition process work? Is prep and testing done in-house or are tests simply funded? Would I need to choose a specific "reserve job' to qualify for these certifications?
I'm open to ALL feedback.

I've been rushing squadrons for the last 4 years, was able to get some interviews but not able to secure a pilot slot.
I had my hopes on a squadron I interviewed with last year, they told me to apply again next board and said they'll do age waiver for me if chosen. I attended their rush event a few weeks ago, some of them remembered me, and thought it went well. I just got notified that I was not selected even for an interview, pretty heartbreaking since I thought I'll get a chance to at least interview to try to earn that pilot slot.
I'm 34 and not really sure what to do now. I assume I'm too old to go active duty, would a recruiter take me seriously and entertain an age waiver with my stats since I have AFOQT and PCSM done? I keep in touch with fellow applicants I've met and a few of them ended up getting an active duty pilot slot through the Navy, does anybody know about their stance on age waivers?
Stats: Pilot 99, PCSM 96, CFI, 400 hours, MS degree, senior leadership at current job
I've heard from an applicant that there are unsponsored AF reserve pilot slots? Anyone with experience with that?
Thanks

To preface, I know I was very dumb and am beating myself up already. I just need advice. I delivered a baby in December on Xmas morning. During my maternity leave I decided to do much needed paperwork / clean up. I decided to renew my husbands passport which was expiring June 2024 and change my last name on my passport to my married name. I submitted these docs in February - 02/05 I get a letter in the mail on 03/28 stating they need additional information (I knew I filled everything out so I truly believe it was an honest mistake and I might’ve filled out my application with navy blue ink instead of black because my favorite office pen is navy blue). I submit the docs immediately back. We decide to book a vacation impromptu as my husband and I haven’t traveled together ever due to his business. We book for 05/20 thinking it’ll be 2 Months and we’ll definitely receive our passports by then. WE HAVE NOT. I have done everything and called everyone. I got through to our state reps office and they were very helpful and were expediting it. Our childcare for the vacation fell through and I don’t feel comfortable leaving my baby with anyone else so now he needs to come with us. He’s 5 months old now so it’s fine. He does not have a passport. I have tried to make an urgent appt online and there are none available. My flight, car rental, hotel, parking etc nothing is refundable. I will lose a lot of money if I cannot get my baby a passport. I’ve emailed our state rep again to see if they could help. I call the customer service for the passport agency and they say to call within 72 hours. Has anyone been in this situation and been okay? Has anyone truly not been able to get a passport on time and forfeit their trip. I’m so upset with myself. I’m not sure why I didn’t think this through and get a passport for him just in case. I’m usually very plan A, B and C and I really just am so freaking upset. My husband is so looking forward to this trip as am I. Any advice?

Been thinking about my career lately and decided after I get my bachelor's in ChemE that I want to get a Master's in Nuclear Engineering. I also discovered that with Nuclear engineering you can join the nuclear navy and/or NUPOC and work as an engineer there so after I get my masters, I'm thinking that that could be a good career path for me. If I wanted to join the nuclear navy, what would the process be? I would probably be around 24-26 around time of application. And if I were to join, would I be an actual part of the navy as in have military benefits or just doing civilian work for the navy? Any knowledge, experience, and/or thoughts are greatly appreciated!

TLDR: I am getting in the Italian Navy with a Master's. With my Master's I can only do a specific officer role, it' similar to a logistics / finance officer. I have pasted the full description of the role below, in detail. Can you please tell me based on the info below what you think about this job? Is it exciting or boring? How do you think it compares with going the enlisted route (Warrant Officer position) based on what I wrote?

I (25M) am finishing a Master's Degree in Business from a top school, and I am going into the Italian Navy (yes I know this is a US centred sub, but it does not matter, just pretend the rules and organizations are the same and then I'll just filter the info from your answers by myself). There are only 2 relevant differences to keep in mind:
1) In my situation I can become a Warrant Officer (it's a NCO role) through a Navy School that provides me with a Bachelor's Degree (in my case, I'd choose Engineering) and then you're basically middle management between enlisted and officers. It's got its pros in my opinion, I really like it and it keeps my options unlimited (I get an engineering degree, I can go T1 special ops, I can do any MOS I want, I can deploy, I am not limited by my previous Degree). I just don't love the huge pay gap obviously
2) The main difference between officers in the Italian Navy and the US Navy is that you can't major in anything you want and then be commissioned in any role as an officer... you're bound to what you majored in. I majored in Business Econ + Law so I can only be commissioned in the role described below.
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THIS IS THE FULL ROLE DESCRIPTION BY THE ITALIAN NAVY / WIKIPEDIA:
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" The Italian Navy Commissariat Corps is a technical Corp composed only of officers of the Italian Navy.
Like all the Italian Navy corps, it is made up only of officers coming for the most part from the Law degree of the Naval Academy or, in some cases, selected from direct appointment competitions within the civilian population, or from the Special Role (NCOs becoming officers due to seniority).
The Maritime Military Commissariat Corps was established in 1876. The officers of the Commissariat Corps provide the Navy with an important contribution in the financial, legal, administrative and logistical fields, perpetuating in peace as in war the glorious maritime traditions of the Armed Force. The Commissariats of the Navy were created in the 16th century by Cosimo I de Medici, who provided the galleys and galleons of the Tuscan navy with officers in charge of ensuring the enforcement of laws and trade agreements in the ports where the ships sailed. The figure quickly spread to European navies.
The Corps' tasks includes logistical/administrative management, fund management, inspection of accounts, legal advice and litigation management.
They are also sent to the Commands ashore - including the Navy High Command - to further broaden their professional background and experience, also by attending numerous specialised courses (internship at the Attorney General's Office, courses in naval escort management or for helicopter specialists, etc.).
After achieving the rank of Lieutenant, they are sent back on board for a period of about two years with the position of Head of Logistics Service.
On board of naval units, this commissioned officer is entrusted with numerous tasks and responsibilities in various areas, including administrative, financial and logistical management, procurement and management of materials and equipment for the maintenance of the ship and the embarked air component, advice on legal and disciplinary matters, as well as any other task, including external relations, specifically entrusted to him by the ship's command.
Career development sees Commissary officers employed at the Commands/Entities ashore in a variety of employment sectors and with increasing levels of responsibility. These include, in particular, administrative/logistical management and control activities, financial planning in coordination with the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, and policy-making in the areas of personnel management and justice and discipline.
Moreover, following the Navy's growing involvement in international law enforcement, humanitarian and peace-keeping activities, in near and far seas (Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Lebanon, humanitarian emergencies in Indonesia and Haiti, etc.), some Commissary officers are temporarily assigned to ships and operational headquarters deployed in crisis areas with duties of legal advice on international and humanitarian law and the application of the rules of engagement during the mission;
To this end, they receive specialised professional training centred on courses in humanitarian law, dedicated university executive degrees, internships at foreign Navies, etc.
At the top of their career ladder, they may hold the position of Director-General of a commissariat or Central Director of the Ministry of Defence. "

Based on what you read, what do you guys think of this job? I'm trying to comparing it to the enlisted route
thank you very much for any suggestion or comment!

Basically, is there a best time to submit an application? I’ve started it, however I’m still in my junior year. I really want to put Eagle Scout on it, but I won’t get Eagle until September. Is September too late? When do you guys think is the best time to submit an NROTC Navy option application?

I’ve never been interested in completing challenges, but I kind of wanted to get at least 10… so I’ve gotten 2/10 already. Not that special but it’s a personal achievement. Also pretty cool i got it in the first 150

and good eyewear

I just applied for a pledge loan a month ago. Been having the navy cash rewards card for over 91 days. My average age of accounts is 6 months. Can this effect my credit limit increase application?